Peking University August 21, 2025: With the objective of understanding China’s diplomacy, business opportunities and cultural exchanges with neighbouring countries, Ning Qi, Vice Chair of Peking University (PKU) Council and Vice President, led a delegation to visit Nepal and Bangladesh from August 8 to 14.
The delegation included students from PKU’s School of Foreign Languages specializing in country and regional studies, as well as faculty and students from the Key Projects of the National Social Science Fund and the Pacific Silk Road Archives and Research Team.
The delegation visited the Policy Research Institute (PRI) of Nepal on August 8. Khaga Nath Adhikari, Director of the Institute’s Center for Foreign Policy and Strategic Affairs and former Nepali Ambassador to Thailand, gave a detailed introduction to the Institute’s history, organizational structure, key research achievements, and recent collaborations with Chinese academic institutions and think tanks.
Conference with Policy Research Institute of Nepal
The PKU delegation provided an overview of the university and expressed hopes of promoting cultural exchange between China and Nepal. A panel discussion saw researchers from both countries diving into issues like regional cooperation and virtual teaching means.
On August 11, the delegation visited the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh and held talks with Ambassador Yao Wen, who highly praised PKU’s unique role in China–Bangladesh cultural exchanges, particularly highlighting the significance of awarding an honorary doctorate to Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former Chief Advisor of the Bangladeshi Interim Government.
Ning Qi in a conversation with Yao Wen
He noted that China–Bangladesh relations are at their best in history, characterized by strong bilateral ties, vibrant cultural connections, and fruitful academic exchanges, and expressed hope for expanding cooperation in additional areas in the future.
On August 12, the delegation visited the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS), engaging in in-depth discussions on academic cooperation and regional issues.
Major General Iftekhar Anis, Director of BIISS, and Senior Researcher Sufia Khanom provided an overview of the institute’s work and research achievements, expressing strong interest in collaborating with PKU in areas such as joint publications, scholar exchanges, and foreign language teaching.
Discussion with the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS)
The delegation also visited the China Power Construction Nepal Representative Office to learn about the company’s development since entering the Nepali market, its core business model and the main risks and challenges it currently faces.
During visits to Himalaya Airlines and Huawei Nepal, the delegation engaged in discussions with company representatives on Nepal’s digital business environment, bottlenecks in communication infrastructure and comparisons of labor markets across South Asian countries.
On August 10, the delegation co-hosted an academic conference with Tribhuvan University themed “Cooperation Across the Himalayas.” Tribhuvan University President Deepak Aryal praised PKU’s prominent role in international academic collaboration and expressed strong interest in establishing a closer, comprehensive partnership with the university.
On August 11, the delegation visited the University of Dhaka to exchange ideas on higher education in the era of digital intelligence and collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative.
PKU delegation attends a symposium at Dhaka University
The delegation visited institutions in Nepal and Bangladesh to gain first-hand insight into their social, political, economic, and cultural landscapes and to explore development opportunities and challenges. The visits also strengthened Peking University’s ties with local partners, paving the way for academic exchanges and future collaborations.
Written by: Wong Jun Heng
Edited by: Chen Shizhuo
Photo by: Cen Siyi, Jin Yunhao
Source: PKU News (
Chinese)
